Dairy Queen’s Blizzard Deal? You Don’t Need It—Try These 5 Dairy-Free Recipes Instead

In 1986, just a year after Dairy Queen first launched its indulgent ice cream shakes, the fast-food chain predicted it would sell 175 million Blizzards to Americans—more than double its sales from the previous year. At the time, the chain’s president, Harris Cooper, told The New York Times that the Blizzard was “the biggest thing” to happen to Dairy Queen in 25 years.

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One analyst added, “If they can introduce new flavors, the Blizzard can be as long-lasting as the ice cream cone.” They were right. Today, the Blizzard remains one of the chain’s best-selling menu items, available in a variety of flavors from Reese’s Pieces to Oreo Fudge Brownie. 

In honor of Dairy Queen’s 85th birthday (the chain was founded in 1940), the chain is currently offering its Blizzards for 85 cents. This is a huge price cut; usually, the ice cream shake will set you back around $6 for a small.

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But there’s just one catch: none of the options are dairy-free. Still, if you want to enjoy the iconic taste of a Blizzard without the dairy, you can, and it’s all thanks to these five delicious 100-percent vegan recipes.

What is a Dairy Queen Blizzard?

A Dairy Queen Blizzard is an indulgent, creamy soft-serve ice cream shake blended with various ingredients like candy pieces, cookies, and nuts. The key feature of the Blizzard is its thickness—it’s so thick that it can be turned upside down without spilling (a signature move in Dairy Queen’s marketing). It comes in various sizes—mini, small, medium, and large—and a wide range of flavors, but as mentioned, none of these are dairy-free. The ice cream itself is made with milk, cream, and other dairy ingredients. Additionally, many of the mix-ins, like cookie pieces or candy, often contain dairy products such as milk or butter.

In 2022, vegan fast-food chain Plant Power Fast Food created its own vegan version of the Blizzard, called Snow Days. Like Dairy Queen’s original, it is available with various flavors, including Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Brownie, and Cookies and Cream.

Plant Power Fast Food

“The joy of feeling like a kid shouldn’t stop just because you’re grown up,” Plant Power Fast Food’s CEO, Zach Vouga, said in a statement. “Snow Days—our thick, creamy soft serve with baked goods and chocolatey toppings—instantly transport you to being a carefree kid in the decadent ‘80s.” You can still order Snow Days from Plant Power Fast Food locations now, alongside sundaes reminiscent of another fast-food favorite, the McFlurry.

How to make a dairy-free Blizzard at home: 5 vegan recipes

But if you don’t live near a Plant Power Fast Food location—or if you’re just craving a homemade ice cream treat—it’s easy to whip up a dairy-free Blizzard at home. Check out the five recipes below to learn how.

Greens, Eggs + Yams

1 Dairy-Free Oreo Blizzard

If Oreo is your go-to ice cream topping, this vegan Blizzard recipe, which comes together with ingredients like full-fat coconut milk, coconut cream, maple syrup, vanilla, and almond milk, is a must-try. “[It] tastes like the real deal,” writes recipe developer Robin of Greens, Eggs + Yams. “It does require planning ahead a little (get those cans of coconut milk in the fridge), but boy, is it worth it.”
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The Banana Diaries

2Homemade Cookie Dough Blizzard

Cookie dough and ice cream are a match made in heaven, and this recipe delivers just that with ingredients like dairy-free heavy cream, cocoa powder, and vegan chocolate chips. “This super easy vegan homemade Blizzard tastes just like the classic Dairy Queen version,” writes recipe developer Britt Berlin. “You’ll never know that it’s dairy-free, vegan, and easily gluten-free as well.”
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Oh She Glows

3 Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Blizzard

“The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Blizzards, in particular, were my go-to indulgence during the summer when I needed something cold and creamy,” says recipe developer Angela Liddon. “I figured that I could make a homemade version using natural ingredients from my kitchen.” And that she did. This ultra-indulgent treat comes together easily with just three simple ingredients: frozen bananas, non-dairy milk, and pre-made cookie dough.
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Eating By Elaine

4Dark Chocolate Fudge Blizzard

“[This] is such an ideal summertime treat for any chocolate-lover,” says recipe developer Elaine Gordon. “And it’s a great way to sneak in some plant-based protein and a vegetable too!  Yup, that’s right, there is a vegetable in this blizzard.” The secret veggie? Frozen cauliflower—though you’ll never taste it, thanks to chocolate dessert bars, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla ice cream.
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Rabbit and Wolves

5Copycat Brownie Blizzard

“I am totally in love with these Brownie Blizzards, and I will never feel jealous of my husband eating Dairy Queen again,” writes recipe creator Lauren Hartmann. “It may be a little more time-consuming than going through the drive-thru, but I think it is well worth it for any vegan or dairy-free person. It will make you feel happier about life. Seriously.” All you need is vegan chocolate ice cream and brownies to create this decadent treat.
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